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Reference

Configuration references and advanced guides for Meshtastic

These pages provide detailed reference information for Meshtastic node configuration and advanced features.

Configuration Reference Guides

1 - Node Configuration Reference

Complete reference for Meshtastic node configuration options

This page provides a comprehensive reference of all node configuration options recommended for the Indiana Hoosier Mesh network.

LoRa Settings

OptionSetting
RegionUS Region 915
Use PresetON
PresetLong Range - Fast
Ignore MQTTOFF
OK to MQTTON
Transmit EnabledON
Number of Hops5
Frequency Slot20
RX Boost GainON
Frequency Override906.875
Transmit Power30

Channel Settings

OptionSetting
Channel NameLong Fast
PSKAQ==
Uplink EnabledON
Downlink EnabledON
Position EnabledON
Precise LocationOFF
Distance Slider148 ft

Security Settings

OptionSetting
Direct Message Key (Public)Populated*
Direct Message Key (Private)Populated*
Log Serial ConsoleON
Debug Log APIOFF
Admin Managed ModeOFF
Legacy Admin ChannelOFF

*Note: Unique to each node

User Configuration

OptionSetting
Node IDPopulated
Long NameYour Choice
Short NameYour Choice (max 4 characters)
Hardware ModelPopulated
UnmessageableOFF (Optional ON for roof nodes)
Licensed Amateur RadioOFF*

Important: Meshtastic allows encrypted transmissions. However, US Amateur Radio licensing prohibits encryption. See FCC guidelines and our Amateur Radio & Meshtastic guide for complete details.

Device Settings

OptionSetting
Device RoleCLIENT
Rebroadcast ModeAll
Node Info Broadcast IntervalThree Hours
LED HeartbeatON
Time ZonePhone or GMT-5
Button GPIO0
Buzzer GPIO0

Device Role Notes

  • CLIENT (default): Standard mesh participant
  • CLIENT_BASE: Use for roof/attic-based nodes. Don’t forget to favorite your local owned nodes
  • ROUTER / ROUTER_LATE: Avoid unless on a very tall tower. Check with experienced RF operators on the Indiana Mesh Discord before using these roles

Position Settings

OptionSetting
Broadcast IntervalSix Hours
Smart PositionOFF
Fixed Position LatUser Defined (via phone)
Fixed Position LongUser Defined (via phone)
Position Flags3 – User Defined
GPS Receive GPIOPin 0
GPS Transmit GPIOPin 0
GPS EN GPIOPin 0
AltitudeEnabled
Altitude MSLEnabled

Serial Settings (Optional)

OptionSetting
Serial EnabledON
Echo EnabledOFF
RX0
TX0
Baud RateBAUD_DEFAULT
Timeout0

2 - Advanced Configuration - MQTT & Telemetry

MQTT, Serial, and Telemetry configuration for Meshtastic nodes

This page covers advanced configuration options for MQTT (internet connectivity), Serial interfaces, and Telemetry collection.

MQTT allows you to access and control your Meshtastic nodes over the internet, integrating them with other services and creating mesh monitors.

MQTT Configuration

OptionSetting
MQTT EnabledOFF (optional ON)
Addressmqtt.meshtastic.org
Usernamemeshdev
PasswordUser Defined
Encryption EnabledON
JSON OutputOFF
TLS EnabledON
MQTT Root Topicmsh/US/IN

Important MQTT Considerations

Best Practices:

  • Use MeshMap.net to check specific root topics of users in your area before enabling MQTT
  • Consider the impact on your device’s performance and battery life
  • Start with MQTT disabled and enable only when needed
  • Monitor your device’s resource usage after enabling MQTT

Finding Your Root Topic

Check MeshMap.net to see what root topics other users in your region are publishing to. This will help you understand the network topology and choose an appropriate topic for your node.

Telemetry (Optional)

Telemetry allows your node to collect and broadcast device metrics like temperature, humidity, battery status, and GPS location.

OptionSetting
Send Device TelemetryOFF
Environment Metrics ModuleOFF
Environment Metrics Update IntervalOFF
Environment Metrics On ScreenOFF

When to Enable Telemetry

  • Enabled by default on devices with environmental sensors
  • Useful for nodes you want to monitor remotely via MQTT
  • Increases power consumption on battery-powered devices
  • Consider your use case before enabling

Serial/USB Configuration (Optional)

The Serial interface allows you to communicate with your Meshtastic device via USB or serial connection for advanced debugging and integration with external systems.

OptionSetting
Serial EnabledON
Echo EnabledOFF
RX0
TX0
Baud RateBAUD_DEFAULT
Timeout0

Use Cases

  • Debug and monitor device behavior via serial port
  • Integrate with external applications or sensors
  • Advanced troubleshooting of device issues
  • Integration with automations or home assistant systems

External Notifications (Optional)

Configure how your device alerts you to incoming messages.

OptionSetting
External Notification EnabledOFF
Alert message LEDON
Alert message buzzerOFF
Alert message vibrationOFF
Alert bell LEDOFF
Alert bell buzzerOFF
Alert bell vibrationOFF

These settings allow you to customize notification behavior based on message type and your preferences.